Ming dynasty painting auction sparks smuggling claims against former museum director

A Ming dynasty painting by Qiu Ying, Jiangnan Spring, donated to Nanjing Museum by the descendants of collector Pang Laichen, recently resurfaced at a Beijing auction, valued at 88 million yuan, sparking controversy. The museum later confirmed the painting is a forgery.

On December 21, an 80-year-old man, claiming to be retired museum employee Guo Lidian, accused former director Xu Huping of orchestrating the theft and smuggling of cultural relics relocated from the Forbidden City, resulting in the loss or damage of thousands of items. Guo also alleged that some relics were misrepresented as forgeries and sold at low prices before being resold domestically and abroad.

Historical records show the painting had been authenticated as a fake in the 1960s and legally sold in 2001 for 6,800 yuan as a “Qiu Ying-style imitation landscape scroll.” Xu, who retired in 2008, denied involvement. Authorities, including the National Cultural Heritage Administration, are investigating both the auction and the allegations.

Experts emphasized the importance of verifying provenance to prevent legal and ethical issues in the art market, and the museum must provide proof that the painting was legally removed, or it may be reclaimed under the law.